Editing Clostridium perfringens (section)

== Clinical manifestations ==
''Clostridium perfringens'' infections can lead to various clinical manifestations, ranging from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to life-threatening conditions. The most common presentation is food poisoning, characterized by acute abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, in some cases, vomiting, typically occurring 6 to 24 hours after the ingestion of contaminated food. Unlike many other foodborne illnesses, fever is usually absent. Symptoms are usually self-limiting and resolve within 24 to 48 hours; however, severe dehydration can occur in cases of significant fluid loss. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased urine output, dizziness, and fatigue. Severe symptoms such as diarrhea that persists for more than 48 hours, the inability to keep fluids down, or signs of severe dehydration may necessitate medical attention.<ref>{{cite web |title=Symptoms of C. perfringens food poisoning |url=https://www.cdc.gov/clostridium-perfringens/signs-symptoms/index.html#:~:text=Most%20people%20with%20C.%20perfringens%20food%20poisoning%20have,should%20drink%20plenty%20of%20fluids%20to%20prevent%20dehydration. |access-date=12 November 2024 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention| date=13 May 2024 }}</ref> Most people are able to recover from ''C. perfringens'' food poisoning without treatment. However, people who experience diarrhea are usually instructed to drink water or rehydration solutions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CDC |date=2024-05-13 |title=Treating C. perfringens food poisoning |url=https://www.cdc.gov/clostridium-perfringens/treatment/index.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Clostridium perfringens Food Poisoning |language=en-us}}</ref>

Gas gangrene caused by ''Clostridium perfringens'' is characterized by severe symptoms, including intense pain at the injury site, fever, rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety. The affected area may show signs of swelling, discoloration (ranging from pale to dark red or purplish), and large, discolored blisters filled with foul-smelling fluid. As the toxins spread, skin and muscle tissue are rapidly destroyed, leading to large areas of dead tissue, gas pockets under the skin (crepitus), and possible [[renal failure]] due to red blood cell destruction. [[Sepsis]] and [[septic shock]] may also occur, which can be fatal.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=February 2024 |title=Gas Gangrene |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24739-gas-gangrene |website=Cleveland Clinic}}</ref>

Necrotizing enteritis caused by ''Clostridium perfringens'' presents with a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in severity. The clinical signs range from mild diarrhea to more severe manifestations such as intense abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools, and even septic shock. In the most serious cases, the infection can lead to death.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Clostridial Necrotizing Enteritis - Clostridial Necrotizing Enteritis |url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/anaerobic-bacteria/clostridial-necrotizing-enteritis?ruleredirectid=748 |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=MSD Manual Professional Edition |language=en}}</ref>